Since so little is known of the early life history of larviparous shipworms, the larval and early-boring stages of Teredo (Lyrodus) pedicellata DeQuatrefages were studied in some detail.
This shipworm, the most common in the Miami area, was cultured in laboratory tanks and used as a source of larvae of a known age.
The anatomy of the larvae was studied and compared, in some respects, with other species of Teredo.
The free-swimming and crawling stages were described, as were the early boring stages, in respect to anatomy and behavior. The development of the siphons was described as was the early development of the shells and pallets.
The mortality rate of these stages was discussed.
The speed of swimming and crawling was measured, and descriptive data concerning locomotion were noted.